After converting to a private nonprofit hospital last July, Erlanger Health System announced a number of top executive staff changes Monday in what Erlanger CEO Jim Coleman said "are the next steps in the story of Erlanger's transition."
Gregg Gentry, who has spent 35 years at Erlanger and served as chief administrative officer and chief of staff, is retiring. Tyler Winks, who has been interim chief operating officer, will become COO and executive vice president. At the same time, Wendy Fournet, former chief human resources officer, will assume the role of chief administrative officer, and Rachel Harris, previously senior vice president and chief nurse executive, will become chief nursing officer.
(READ MORE: Erlanger's move to private nonprofit complete. Here's what to know.)
"I am excited for these next steps in the Erlanger journey as we continue our work towards a brighter future," Coleman said in an announcement of the new appointments. "Creating better alignment throughout our organization is the next step in creating the infrastructure we need to move forward."
Erlanger, which traces its roots to 1891, converted last July from a government-owned institution to a private nonprofit corporation to better position itself to compete in the changing health care market while still offering indigent patient care. Coleman said the executive changes announced Monday are designed to further the hospital transition.
Coleman praised Gentry, who has held a series of progressively higher leadership roles at Erlanger over more than three decades at the hospital. In 2018, Gentry was named a Champion of Health Care by Edge magazine.
"We congratulate Gregg for a job well done and are excited for this next chapter," Coleman said in his statement. "I am thankful to Gregg for his commitment to Erlanger, his steadfast leadership to the organization and his genuine passion for Erlanger and its people."
Coleman said most of Erlanger's current chiefs will continue in their roles, providing stability and continuity. The notable addition to the leadership team is Mark Stafne, who joins as the chief growth officer, reflecting Erlanger's commitment to nonprofit growth.
Erlanger is Chattanooga's biggest hospital with nearly 6,000 employees and contractors.
— Compiled by Dave Flessner